PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 10 September 1907, Page 2

PERSONAL.

Sir. W. A. Collis has been reappointed the New Plymouth Borough Council's representative on the Egmont National Park Board. Sir. Sandilauds, in charge at the borough electrical powerhouse, met with an accident on Wednesday. Whilst erecting the new machinery he was injured by a part of the turbine falling on his foot. He expected to be able to resume work early this week. The VVanganui chronicle notifies the death of Major Bmssey, who passed away on Sunday at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr J. F. Outfield, at the ripe old age of 90 years. The late Major Brassey had a distinguished career. Jle served in the British Navy till 1839, when he joined the East India, Company's service, being present and taking part in all the military operations in Scindc and Afghanistan, and subsequently in the Southern liaharatta campaign. Ho was acting assistant field engineer at the siege of Paualla, Powenglmr, Managhur, Mansiugtosh, and Sajnunghur. He was for five years adjutant of the regiment, and retired from the service on half-pay through ill-health with the rank of captain. Being in New Zealand in 1805, the Government

f sutured his services with the rank of . major, and sent him in command of 41)0 , Taranaki military settlers to take . charge of the post of Pipiriki. Hero Lhe - rebels carried him off by taking possesl sion in the night of the rising ground • commanding his camp, He despatch-id : a portion of his men under Lieut. Clea.'y, and by a gallant dash they cleared the bill and rifle pits before the relief thrived in Wanganui. The- maimer in which Major Brassey apprised the Wanganui garrison of his plight was unique, lie wrote a message in Latin and enclosed it in a bottle, which was floated down the river. This document is now lodged in the Wellington Museum. lln was afterwards sent in command to the East Coast to avenge tho murder of the Rev. Mr Volkner, but was suddenly recalled to England on important private ; business. On returning, he resigned ! his command. From the experience he had gaino/l in India Major Brassey wis J reckoned to be one of the best military j officers in the colony. The deceased gentleman was a connection of Lord Brassey. He h»!d resided in Wangamvi since 1808, and was highly respected by r. II who knew him.